Activists in Doon demand immediate release of Sonam Wangchuck

Dehradun: Social activists on Thursday evening gathered at Gandhi Park to protest the detention of scientist and environmentalist Sonam Wangchuck and demanded his immediate release, asserting that bail is a constitutional right.Wangchuk was detained on Sept 26 last year under the National Security Act (NSA). Activists in Doon criticised the arrest, calling it an "attempt to silence dissent". They alleged that the central govt was detaining anyone who did not conform to its narrative and that Wangchuck was branded a "traitor" after he demanded that the centre fulfill its promise of implementing the Sixth Schedule in Ladakh.Protesters chanted slogans calling for Wangchuck's release, emphasising that he neither took up arms nor committed treason. "He was simply asking the govt to honour its commitments, yet his voice was silenced," they said."He is being kept in prison without any charges being framed against him. A world-renowned scientist and environmentalist, he has been in jail for five months simply on superficial claims of treachery. He was recognised by the govt for his excellent work, he appreciated the PM also and yet he is being treated in this manner," said environmentalist and social activist Ravi Chopra.